Red shirting, again.

[Anonymous]

The same thing is true in our local public school. Worksheets, worksheets and yes, more worksheets. No recess until about 2pm either for 20 mins. All public schools are different even if they follow the same curriculum. Some schools need to improve their test scores so it is all drill and kill. Some schools have high test scores but need to keep them that way so it is also drill and kill.

[Anonymous]

This is a shame--kids need to get out more often, in order to burn off that excess energy. I'm the mother of two active boys, I can certainly attest to that! I imagine that it's the same for girls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:...Nowadays the kids SIT AT THEIR DESKS all day....kids sit at their desks and practice their letters all day...

which school is your child in? this is definitely untrue for my kid's K class. not sure if you're just exaggerating or are you stating facts.

This is not true in our public elementary, either. The K classrooms don't even have desks. There are two tables, 6 chairs each, used for writing workshop and math games. The kids are always up and moving between stations in the classroom and to and from different "special" classes. There is free play time within the classroom in addition to recess. Housekeeping center, listening library, and other things you would expect to see only in a preschool classroom--if you believe what you read on DCUM.
We have never had a Xeroxed "worksheet" come home, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:...Nowadays the kids SIT AT THEIR DESKS all day....kids sit at their desks and practice their letters all day...

which school is your child in? this is definitely untrue for my kid's K class. not sure if you're just exaggerating or are you stating facts.

This is not true in our public elementary, either. The K classrooms don't even have desks. There are two tables, 6 chairs each, used for writing workshop and math games. The kids are always up and moving between stations in the classroom and to and from different "special" classes. There is free play time within the classroom in addition to recess. Housekeeping center, listening library, and other things you would expect to see only in a preschool classroom--if you believe what you read on DCUM.
We have never had a Xeroxed "worksheet" come home, either.

Not true in our MCPS kindergarten either.

[Anonymous]

I'm still jarred by the article in the Post over the weekend about the overcrowding at Oakland Terrace, and how the kids have to wear a clothespin to identify themselves as needing to go to the bathroom during lunchtime!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The same thing is true in our local public school. Worksheets, worksheets and yes, more worksheets. No recess until about 2pm either for 20 mins. All public schools are different even if they follow the same curriculum. Some schools need to improve their test scores so it is all drill and kill. Some schools have high test scores but need to keep them that way so it is also drill and kill.

can you identify the school? i can't and won't take your post seriously until you do so.

[Anonymous]

I agree, a bizarre description not consistent with my 2 sons' (K and 3rd grade) experience in the school system. Perhaps a case of exaggeration and embellishment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The same thing is true in our local public school. Worksheets, worksheets and yes, more worksheets. No recess until about 2pm either for 20 mins. All public schools are different even if they follow the same curriculum. Some schools need to improve their test scores so it is all drill and kill. Some schools have high test scores but need to keep them that way so it is also drill and kill.

can you identify the school? i can't and won't take your post seriously until you do so.

The local ES in my old neighborhood in Baltimore County. Pinewood ES.

[Anonymous]

I have a late summer b-day boy and am truly torn about holding him back. I think he is ready, but I keep second guessing myself because all of his summer b-day friends are staying back. I am trying to get a recommendation from our preschool teacher/administrator but I seem to just get a very vague answer about how great "the gift of time" is and nothing specific about my child. I hate to be cynical, but I fear it may be because they want our tuition for another year ... Or because it is just the "safer" option.

We are probably going private so my question is, re: the DC area privates, are they any who don't "discriminate" against summer b-day boys? Or do they all seem to encourage holding back regardless of the individual child? Thanks for any insight.

[Anonymous]

I know this isn't helpful for those with older kids, but for those with toddlers with summer birthdays you might want to try full-day pre-K to see how your little one fares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this isn't helpful for those with older kids, but for those with toddlers with summer birthdays you might want to try full-day pre-K to see how your little one fares.

That was exactly our approach, and we're very pleased with the results.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a late summer b-day boy and am truly torn about holding him back. I think he is ready, but I keep second guessing myself because all of his summer b-day friends are staying back. I am trying to get a recommendation from our preschool teacher/administrator but I seem to just get a very vague answer about how great "the gift of time" is and nothing specific about my child. I hate to be cynical, but I fear it may be because they want our tuition for another year ... Or because it is just the "safer" option.

We are probably going private so my question is, re: the DC area privates, are they any who don't "discriminate" against summer b-day boys? Or do they all seem to encourage holding back regardless of the individual child? Thanks for any insight.

As previously stated, Norwood has a policy that seems to discourage red shirting to some degree. Very nice school, they don't seem to play the age game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm still jarred by the article in the Post over the weekend about the overcrowding at Oakland Terrace, and how the kids have to wear a clothespin to identify themselves as needing to go to the bathroom during lunchtime!

My DC is at OTES. They just decided to move next years' kindergartners to a satellite school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a late summer b-day boy and am truly torn about holding him back. I think he is ready, but I keep second guessing myself because all of his summer b-day friends are staying back. I am trying to get a recommendation from our preschool teacher/administrator but I seem to just get a very vague answer about how great "the gift of time" is and nothing specific about my child. I hate to be cynical, but I fear it may be because they want our tuition for another year ... Or because it is just the "safer" option.

We are probably going private so my question is, re: the DC area privates, are they any who don't "discriminate" against summer b-day boys? Or do they all seem to encourage holding back regardless of the individual child? Thanks for any insight.

I believe the cutoff for many privates is 9/1, so your son wouldn't qualify for K at those schools anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm still jarred by the article in the Post over the weekend about the overcrowding at Oakland Terrace, and how the kids have to wear a clothespin to identify themselves as needing to go to the bathroom during lunchtime!

My DC is at OTES. They just decided to move next years' kindergartners to a satellite school.

Where?